It also frequently responds to incidents in rural areas when local agencies lack capacity or otherwise require assistance.

OSP's first Superintendent (head) was Charles Pray, State Parole Officer and a former Department of Justice Agent.

Mr. Pray set up four OSP districts in the state and thirty-one patrol stations.

Harold Maison, formerly with the State Traffic Division, was appointed Chief Clerk and was stationed at General Headquarters in Salem.

On January 1, 1932, he was appointed Deputy Superintendent, a served a position he held until his installment as Warden of the State Penitentiary in 1938.